Video Transcript
Hello, and welcome to the May edition of the Worcestershire Business Support Newsletter. There is plenty going on at the moment as we ramp up activity heading into the summer.
To start this update, I’m pleased to announce that we have a new Growth Hub website. Listening to feedback from our team and the businesses they engage with. We have built a new website that is more intuitive, modern in design, and easier for businesses to navigate. We want it to be as easy as possible for businesses to engage with the Growth Hub. And hopefully this new website will support that objective. Please be sure to check out the new website and give us a call or email to find out more about how the team can help your business.
Next up, I am pleased to share with viewers that we will be hosting a Worcestershire Business Forum event in June, which will announce the new business support programs and funding support available from Worcestershire County Council. This will be a crucial opportunity for businesses looking to understand more about the new support and how they can access it, and also hear from previous successful businesses about the impact it can have. Alongside this, our team will also be engaging with attendees to understand the local economic picture and gather insights and feedback from businesses. Full details of this event can be found within the newsletter. Spaces will be limited, so please make sure to book on early to avoid disappointment.
We also have some innovation updates to make you aware of this month. Firstly, BetaDen, the county’s award winning technology accelerator has launched details about plans for its new digital and AI bootcamp to support local businesses. The bootcamp is specifically targeted to scale digital businesses across Worcestershire, offering practical support in key areas including AI strategy and implementation, cybersecurity, compliance and legal innovation, coaching, marketing, international expansion and investment readiness. Participants will also receive dedicated pitch training with the opportunity to refine their proposition in front of experienced professionals and to be introduced to an active angel investor network. Applications for BetaDen’s Digital and AI bootcamp are now open, and this is a great opportunity for local businesses who want to accelerate their growth and adopt the latest AI innovations.
Make sure to contact the Growth Hub team to find out more.
Secondly, Catalyse Angel Network will be holding their Summer pitch event for founders in July. Applications are now open for founder seeking angel investment, with the window for applications closing at the end of May. Further details and contact information can be found in the newsletter.
Touching on skills updates next, there is still apprenticeship support available both in terms of expertise and funding. So please make sure to contact the team to find out more.
Secondly, a date for the diary. Many of you will have heard me talking about the WorkWell Insights event program that we are delivering in partnership with Herefordshire. On the 8th of July we will be taking this partnership to the next level with the Keep Herefordshire and Worcestershire Working Conference. This event is designed to help employers strengthen their thinking and practice around keeping staff in work, managing absence well and supporting health in the workplace. Staff wellbeing is a growing opportunity for many businesses, and this event will help employers to keep people healthy, present and productive at work. Follow the link in the newsletter to book your place.
Next up is an opportunity which will be of interest for our manufacturers, which has been developed by our local partners at NMITE in Hereford, working with Malvern Hills District Council, aimed at supporting manufacturing leadership within businesses, a tailored course has been developed to support experienced production, maintenance and technical professionals who are looking to step into manufacturing supervisory roles. Delivered with academics and experts across aerospace, automotive and manufacturing, organisations can improve productivity and maintenance performance and apply practical optimisation tools. The first intake is scheduled this autumn, so to find out more, please speak with our team.
And finally, a chance to celebrate three Worcestershire businesses who have recently been awarded with the prestigious King’s Award for enterprise 2026. This is a great achievement and our congratulations go to the Key Safe Company who are recognized for innovation, along with the Little Soap Company and Olpro Limited, who both secured awards in the sustainability category. Whilst they celebrate King’s award status and well-earned recognition, the window for applications for 2027 has now opened and runs until early September 2026. If any Worcestershire businesses are interested in applying for the 2027 awards, there are five categories to enter and support for the process is available. Please see the article in the newsletter for more information. And if you do decide to enter, we wish you the very best of luck.
Please do read through the rest of the newsletter. There is lots going on that could help your business. And as always, be sure to contact the team. See you next time.
